A place to see good, share good, and do good.

Featured Light on the World Spotlight: March 21, 2019

​ABC is a full service rehearsal facility. We have rehearsal rooms for bands, artists, DJ's, or for whatever other needs you may have. All rooms have 24 hour access, restroom facilities, and close parking. We have rooms starting at $150.00/month. ​ McKees Rocks convenient to downtown Pittsburgh. security cameras and key coded entries. Our 24 hour access allows you to play as loud as you want all day, every day!

Are there various sized rooms and do the prices fluctuate based on that?

DAN: Yes, all rooms are different sizes and prices

Are you a musician? How did you get into wanting to open up rehearsal space for bands?

DAN: Yes I am a musician. We felt this was a market in Pittsburgh that was untapped.

How many bands currently rent from you?

DAN: We are currently full so 35. But, we are considering building more because we have a waiting list.

I noticed on your site it says a "full service" rehearsal facility, is that also in regard to some instruments being available? How soundproofed are the rooms? Are the rooms carpeted, etc?

Dan: Yes, the rooms are all all sound proof and carpeted. We do offer a full service room with amps, drums, PA system, lights, and stage for a full production rehearsal or for touring bands.

Where is your location exactly in Mckees rocks ?

Dan: 1000 Island Ave. 10 minutes from downtown and South Side.

We just want to spread the word that were here with 24 hr. access for bands or whatever else you may need. Arts, dance, anything else you need a space for.

Below is a video shot in one of the fully stocked rehearsal rooms that includes a PA system, backline, stage, and lights. There is currently only one space still available at ABC and it is the room featured in the video. The room can be rented for $50.00 an hour (plus tax) and a security deposit.

CONTACT ABC REHEARSAL ROOMS

By phone: (412)331-3590

VISIT:

https://www.abcrehearsalrooms.com/home.html

1000 Island Ave.

​McKees Rocks, PA 15136

Check out our Facebook page: Abc Ez BandRehearsal Rooms

2Mar 14, 2019

Initiative

My name is Attila Domos, and I'm a T11/T12 paraplegic, since September 22, of 1993. I had my falling accident the same night my former band and I signed a recording contract. You could say it was a Yin/Yang kind of an evening. I was always an ambitious person, and very goal driven. While I was born into a musician family, I was also, and still am an athlete. Most recently I've been competing in hand-cycling events.

I've competed in many sports both in my youth and adult life. Some include water polo, soccer, baseball, American football, Martial Arts, power lifting and as I said earlier... hand-cycling. I was always drawn to physical challenges. I'm the type of person who was always driven by a desire to make a difference, to be a force for good. I've used whatever talents I was born with to make a difference in the lives of others, and what I'm working towards now, will be by far my biggest challenge ever, but it will also allow me to do a lot of good around the world.

As many of you know, I’m on a mission this weekend (October 6th and 7th), to once and for all OFFICIALLY break the handcycling world record of 403.8 miles traveled in 24 hours. But this incredibly difficult task is only the beginning of even bigger things to come.

Once the record is mine, my next goal is to handcycle across America, in the TransAmerican Bike Race, which is a self-supported race across America, from Oregon to Maryland, a total of 4,6oo miles, winding through the Rocky mountains, the Midwest plains and the Appalachian mountains, all without being allowed a support team.

While this is a rough test for even a seasoned bicyclist, in a handcycle it’s incredibly rough, since without the aid of a support crew, I’ll have to tie my wheelchair to the back of my handcycle, put all of my day to day supplies I’ll need, and pull it all behind me… making me pull an extra 50 to 60 lbs. To top it off… my goal is to get from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean in 80 days (yes… inspired by Jules Verne).

In order for me to accomplish this task, I’ll have to ride an average distance of 65 miles per day… which doesn’t sound like that much, till you consider the fact that a handcycle is not only heavier than a bike, but it’s drive is in the front (very little weight to support the mountain climbs) I’m using my arms (as opposed to the legs, which are WAY easier), and as I mentioned before… I’m pulling an extra 50 to 60 lbs behind me, adding even more challenge to the front wheel drive.

My goal for this challenge is to create a reality show out of it, and challenge America to workout with me. Folks don’t have to work out for 8 hours or more each day, like I’ll be doing, but I ask people to come along with me, by promising to exercise each day I ride. They are asked to go outside, and play with their kids, go for a run, hit the gym, jump rope… whatever they want to do… just do it for at least 1 hour each day that I ride. I want them to weigh themselves or do a BMI (however they want to measure themselves) on day one… and then again on day eighty. I guarantee they’ll see results, which will make them happy.

But this task has another beneficial effect, and that’s to show people… especially kids, that no matter how big the goal is… if they take that first step, and continue with the second, third and on and on… all the while they keep their eyes on that finish line… they too can accomplish any goal, no matter how insurmountable it seems. I want people to understand that they’re more, than whom they think they are. MUCH… MORE!

But... in order to make this happen, we’ll have to raise at least $25k, which I’ll need for nightly lodging, food, bike repairs, and any other emergencies which will likely pop up in such an undertaking. It’s why we’re taking pre-orders for Gift Package items to commemorate this historic world record breaking event!

We will be selling Gift Package items from T-shirts and hats, to coffee mugs, koozies, tote bags and cooler bags, and all will have “Lets Do Something Amazing'… IT’S A BURGH THING!!”, along with my name, the distance traveled and the date. All of the proceeds will go toward making my journey in the Trans-American Bike Race a reality.

Get your collectables today, and show your Pittsburgh pride. Don’t let this historic event pass you by. Grab your swag, and help a fellow Pittsburgher continue to make history… one inspirational mission at a time.

LOOK AT GIFT PACKAGES UNDER FROM THE HEART ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THIS PAGE. ONLY TWO STEPS NEEDED. FIRST REGISTER ON THIS NETWORK SO WE WILL KNOW WHERE TO SEND YOUR PACKAGES TO AND THEN SECOND CHOOSE YOUR GIFT PACKAGE YOU WANT!

GIFT PACKAGE (1) $60: Complete with

T-Shirt

"Attila Domos Let's Do Something Amazing'... It's a BURGH THING!!"

"It's a Burgh Thing!!" Drink Cooler Bag

"It's a Burgh Thing!!" Beach Bag

"It's a Burgh Thing!!" Drink Koozie

Gift Package (2) $75: Complete with

T-Shirt and Hat together!

"Attila Domos 'Let's Do Something Amazing'... It's a BURGH THING!!"

"It's a Burgh Thing!!" Drink Cooler Bag

"It's a Burgh Thing!!" Beach Bag

"It's a Burgh Thing!!" Drink Koozie

(ALL MERCHANDISE WILL BE CUSTOMIZED WITH ATTILA'S NAME AND SLOGANS ABOVE)

(Shipping not included. Individual shipping charges will apply depending on location. Pick up also available. Please allow 4-6 weeks from the time the $25K goal is reached, for your "non-electronic" rewards to arrive.)

Thank you,

Attila Domos

For more information about Attila, please visit

http://www.attiladomos.com/index.html

Here you will find much more information about Attila and his many accomplishments and life inspirational achievments

A Thousand Mile Journey begins with one Step. Lao Tzu. Attila Domos you have taken many steps yet your journey is just beginning. Today you inspired hearts and minds around the Globe to go after their dreams and do something Amazing! "You are not required to complete the task, yet you are not free to withdraw from it" Ethics of our Father's. Attila Domos you gave the world everything and you have chased your dream to inspire others. You have succeeded! Many more steps are yet to come. Your Journey has really just begun.....One World Blue Congratulates You Attila Domos

Very enlightening, so many accomplishments for the world! Mazal Tov. I am extremely proud of you and One World Blue. May One World Blue reach the hearts and minds of people around the world. May you continue your holy endeavors one good deed at a time.

One World Blue would like to acknowledge JDO Designs and Consulting for their exemplary work in computer maintenance and repair. They work with honesty and fair prices and they are the choice of our network for computer maintenance. They also work on computers remotely so you do not need to be in their area for them to access your laptop for many diagnostic and scanning services.

One World Blue wishes Attila Domos great success this weekend as he is on a mission (October 6th and 7th), to once and for all OFFICIALLY break the handcycling world record of 403.8 miles traveled in 24 hours!! GO ATTILA!!! "NEVER BE AFRAID TO CHASE YOUR DREAMS - Lets do Something Amazing" Attila Domos Musician/Athlete/Writer/Entrepreneur. www.attiladomos.com. Check out Attila's Campaign Page Here on One World Blue

"The Best Is Yet To Come"
The Best is Yet to Come is Progressive New Faith Fellowship Baptist Church book. With Overseer Davis and many of the outreach ministries as well as the look inside of our church and church family.
The book is on sale for $140.00 it has 132 pages of full color. Please order your book now and click fund to pay. Remember we are all trying to make a difference in this world by putting God first and being able to help someone along the way. Thank you in advance.

Tickets will be released tomorrow for the StarQuest Finals Night at Sunny Jims right here on Blupela. $20 General Admission. $30 VIP. Stay Tuned for the Ticket release tomorrow. Seats are limited. Finals will be held at Sunny Jims on December 16th, 2017.

The Project Ambassador Program is now available with One World Blue. Contact our office to find out how you may benefit from this program. Ambassador brochures are also available to order thru the Blupela campaign page. Join this winning team and start making a difference in the world today!!

We will meet from 6-8PM to print prayer flags. Youth Sangha coordinator Bonnie Weiss will guide the children in meditation, chanting and stories in addition to the block printing. We will also have a potluck for snacks, so please bring something small to share (NO NUTS PLEASE). Tempa Lama will be away traveling.

Stand together to condemn hate and violence! Join us for an evening of solidarity with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community in response to the tragedy in Orlando. Hear from leaders in the LGBT community, Jewish community, Muslim community, and others.

Jewish Community Center, Squirrel Hill

Levinson Hall

Thursday, June 23

7:00-8:00 p.m.

Registration not required

We are pleased share another opportunity to support the LGBT community as well:

Saturday, June 18th, 2016

12:45 pm

Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom

Congregation Beth Shalom

A Conversation with Evan Wolfson,

Director of Freedom to Marry

Mr. Wolfson is a Pittsburgh native and graduate of Alderdice High School.

For Kids of all ages come and enjoy 'Get Out and Draw' a journey into the imagination with the Super Hero of Fun, Mr. Buckethead. Event Date: May 28, 2016. Where: Dormont Library, 2950 West Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. When: 1 pm to 4 pm

For Kids of all ages come and enjoy 'Get Out and Draw' a journey into the imagination with the Super Hero of Fun, Mr. Buckethead. Event Date: May 28th, 2016 Where: Dormont Library, 2950 West Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. When: 1 pm to 4 pm

Join us for our monthly Pittsburgh Sportsline TV show at the Hollywood Lanes (2961 West Liberty Ave. Dormont, Tonight, Monday night February 1st, from 7:30-8:30 pm. They are more than a bowling alley! This great venue owned by Jeffrey Parke is a multifaceted entertainment facility offering our Pittsburgh community a wide range of activities including: bowling, darts, live music, our sports talk TV show and much more!!! There will be food, drink and bowling specials during our show! NO COVER!

Friday January 8, 7-8:15pm: Introductory evening talk
Saturday January 9, 9:30am-5pm and Sunday January 10, 10am-1pm
Olmo Ling Bon Center and Institute, 1101 Greenfield Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Many of you requested that we offer a retreat on the ancient and powerful Bon Chod practice ‘Laughter of the Dakinis’ which is part of the weekly Saturday morning practice at Olmo Ling. We are happy to be able to respond to this request! The Chod practice ‘Laughter of the Dakinis’ features a hauntingly beautiful melody that is chanted and accompanied by the Tibetan hand-drum (Damaru) and bell, together with visualization. Please join us to learn this unique practice, and join us thereafter at the weekly Saturday morning meditation.

Only 25 hours left to see our documentary just released of Chiropractic now for Free. So now it's time to open your last present, our latest documentary! It took Jim Chester and I two long years to bring it to completion and it's free to watch until New Year's Eve! So please give it a view and share it with your friends, especially to those who may not be in the best of health. Click the link on our Spotlight here on Blupela.com. Please also share with the media buttons on Facebook, Twitter and others and please spread the word. Only 25 hours left to see it now for Free.

​ABC is a full service rehearsal facility. We have rehearsal rooms for bands, artists, DJ's, or for whatever other needs you may have. All rooms have 24 hour access, restroom facilities, and close parking. We have rooms starting at $150.00/month. ​ McKees Rocks convenient to downtown Pittsburgh. security cameras and key coded entries. Our 24 hour access allows you to play as loud as you want all day, every day!

Are there various sized rooms and do the prices fluctuate based on that?

DAN: Yes, all rooms are different sizes and prices

Are you a musician? How did you get into wanting to open up rehearsal space for bands?

DAN: Yes I am a musician. We felt this was a market in Pittsburgh that was untapped.

How many bands currently rent from you?

DAN: We are currently full so 35. But, we are considering building more because we have a waiting list.

I noticed on your site it says a "full service" rehearsal facility, is that also in regard to some instruments being available? How soundproofed are the rooms? Are the rooms carpeted, etc?

Dan: Yes, the rooms are all all sound proof and carpeted. We do offer a full service room with amps, drums, PA system, lights, and stage for a full production rehearsal or for touring bands.

Where is your location exactly in Mckees rocks ?

Dan: 1000 Island Ave. 10 minutes from downtown and South Side.

We just want to spread the word that were here with 24 hr. access for bands or whatever else you may need. Arts, dance, anything else you need a space for.

Below is a video shot in one of the fully stocked rehearsal rooms that includes a PA system, backline, stage, and lights. There is currently only one space still available at ABC and it is the room featured in the video. The room can be rented for $50.00 an hour (plus tax) and a security deposit.

SOAR’s mission is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in outdoor accessible activities and help provide them with accessible equipment.

SOAR provides outdoor accessible recreational opportunities for physically challenged people and families and individuals in need with a key focus of improving the lives of those with spinal cord injuries. We will motivate, inspire and create opportunities for people with disabilities who are emotionally, physically and therapeutically in need.

Take A Pie For SCI

How can you help?

The fundraiser “Take a Pie for SCI and SOAR” essentially, will be similar to the Ice Bucket Challenge from years ago for ALS. Consumers will have the option to donate funds to the fundraiser for Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI), or they can post a video on social media of them taking a pie to the face. The pies, of course, could be a paper plate topped with Reddi Wip.

We hope you will partner with SOAR to enrich the lives of children and adults with spinal cord injuries and help them to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Feel free to contact Brian Swift at 708-269-7064. This particular campaign, Take a Pie for SCI is set up to help SOAR reach their goals of helping others that are disabled and to get involved in outdoor recreational activities.

It is rare that someone can take a “tragedy” as an opportunity to change their life and help others. That is exactly what Brian P. Swift did. In 1979 on the day after Christmas, Brian Swift, at the age of 17, broke his neck playing football leaving him a C5/6 quadriplegic, with permanent paralysis from his chest down. In the process of his rehabilitation, he became aware of the importance of recreation for rehabilitation, not only to improve mobility, but to improve mental well-being. Brian saw this event in his life as a challenge and an opportunity to assist others. This life-changing event developed into his personal crusade.

Brian went back to school and received his bachelor’s degree from Saint Xavier University and his Juris Doctor degree from DePaul College of Law.

Brian Swift overcame the challenge of his disability utilizing sports for himself and others by coaching football and basketball for over twenty years. He continued hunting, fishing, and taking long rides in the outdoors after his accident to combat the emotional and physical strains of his disability.

The father of three adopted children and a husband of over 27 years, Brian developed his strategy of success, CIA: Commitment, Integrity, and Attitude. By using this strategy, Brian leaves people invigorated to face their own struggles with hope, faith, and purpose!

In his own words: "This is a TRUE STORY At the age of 17 I broke my neck playing football the day after Christmas. A month later while I was at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago my I was faced with a decision that would forever change my life and the lives of others.

Both of my parents had an amazing impact. My mom has a faith based strength about her that is unmatched and she has instilled that in me. She is selfless and gives to others like no other. As for my father, his integrity, commitment and work ethic are unmatched and this story will tell you more about my dad.

My dad came up to visit me at lunch from work. It was several days before my 18th birthday. After 15 minutes he stood up and put his overcoat on and started to walk out. He turned to me and said “ if your going to be negative I will not come up to visit you”. He said “ IT IS YOUR JOB TO KEEP OUR FAMILY UP”. If you’re up we will all be up!There was no decision to be made, I am a Swift and I have never let him, my family or friends down, I have been blessed.

What a shame for a person to grow old without truly knowing the beauty & strength of what you are capable of. There was a big change in my attitude after my accident. I had an appreciation and zest for life that I never had before. In life you can either get bitter or get better. I chose better and created my own reality.

I always felt blessed in certain ways. I just jumped back into life and one thing I always wanted to do coach football and basketball at my grammar school. Two years after my injury I starting coaching football at my grammar school. I fell in love with inspiring people. I spent over 30 years as a leader responsible to inspire and develop others and I was very successful at it. I was born to inspire and motivate, it is a fulfilling way to live. The perspective, knowledge and wisdom I gained through 39 years of being disabled is indispensable. I am also aware of what the human spirit or soul is capable of when you push it to the limit and beyond. I try to inspire and teach others to live with strength and substance, while constantly feeding yourself with the good, pure and positive.

My wife and primary care taker is an amazing angel. Like my kids words can not do her justice. She is beautiful inside and out. I have three kids ages 16, 18 and 24 and they can outwork any kid out there. At a young age they learned how to give to others because they did, with my guidance, the things I could not physically do. Giving and helping others is just a part of their lives.

I have spent years thinking of a BIG idea to create more awareness and funds to assist more people. I was out on one of my two mile wheelchair rides thinking about SOAR and BAM ''Take a Pie for SCI &SOAR" came to me. SOAR has one big fundraiser every year. We apply for grants and seek out corporate giving to help with raising funds. We also have a go fund me movement going. At this time no one gets paid for the time they donate to running SOAR.

SOAR’s mission is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in outdoor accessible activities and help provide them with accessible equipment.

There are many benefits to accessing the outdoors: 1) mental, physical & emotional health and wellness, 2) spending quality time with family & friend, and 3) most importantly to view and enjoy all of God’s outdoor creations.

We believe that recovery consists of healing the mind, not just the body and that recovery is a journey, not a destination. Being in touch with God’s creation draws us closer to the healing journey of love, grace, peace and joy of fellowship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

SOAR’s ultimate goal is to create an accessible outdoor recreation park that will provide families of individuals with physical disabilities with the opportunity to participate in activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, four wheeling, bicycling, and more. SOAR is trying to acquire 30 to 40 acres to build this accessible recreational park. If you know anyone with land that may be willing to partner with SOAR please pass on our contact information. We hope you will partner with SOAR to enrich the lives of children and adults with disabilities and help them to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

Other goals include helping more people year after year. The people we help have a wide range of disabilities from all over the country. We help disabled veterans get out fishing and hunting. We help kids get therapeutic tricycles and hand cycles. We sponsor wheelchair athletes looking to participate in outdoor recreation or sports. We sponsor a disability hunt and a triathlon. SOAR is always open to hear what your needs are."

It is our hope that SOAR can provide a place and services to help others build their bodies and minds to be healthier and happier. As SOAR grows with the help and generosity of others, it is our goal to positively effect as many lives as we can through the wonders of the great, accessible, outdoors.

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OPEN GRANT OPPORTUNITY

Thank you for supporting Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation.

Please send soar@soarnonprofit.com an email request for our grant form and we ill send it to you, or you may download a copy by clicking here .

Contact Us

Get in touch and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. We look forward to hearing from you!

We hope you will partner with SOAR to enrich the lives of children and adults with spinal cord injuries and help them to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Feel free to contact Brian Swift at 708-269-7064. This particular campaign, Take a Pie for SCI is set up to help SOAR reach their goals of helping others that are disabled and to get involved in outdoor recreational activities.

5thavestore.com has enjoyed a reputation for integrity and superiority in the world of Italian Wedding, party favors and gifts for all occasions for many years. We carry the finest brands including the classic Debora Carlucci, Sima Argento, as well as a huge selection of the ever popular Cucina Italiana Kitchen ware line. We strive to make your purchase of that unique and exclusive party favor or gift as simple and as hassle free as possible.

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The 3 x 8 inch dimensions of this elegant Religious Plaque by Sima Argento Creations features the beauty and shine of 925 Silver while exuding a lighthearted look with its abstract shape. The polished finish displays the figures in a loving embrace. This unique and spirited piece is a part of the extensive works in the Argento line of Sima collectibles.

The Argento Holy Family Plaque is an intricately designed plaque manufactured and made in Italy made of the highest quality materials; its refinement can be preserved by careful hand washing with a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleanser. Perfect gift idea for Religious celeabration parties, Baptism, christening, baby showers or Holiday Party.

Every mother remembers how difficult it was to get a fussy baby to sleep and stay asleep. Then there’s the moment of triumph when the baby finally falls asleep. The Crystal and Silver Plaque with Mother and Child depict this triumph very subtly. It’s made of 925 silver ,and features a mother caressing her sleeping child. The design has a unique shape and is encased in a 100% Swarovski crystal backing.

This communion favor is great for communion, baptism, or christening ceremonies or it can be given as a gift to commemorate the occasion. Display it in a place of worship, family room, or child’s room.

Celebrate the joy of the Communion season with this Holy Family icon featuring the holy family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. This Deborah Carlucci Icon features a unique Crystal design that encapsulates a scene in the stable at Bethlehem. The Holy Family Icon plaque is crafted from 925 silver on Crystal base and elegantly displays Joseph's pride in his new son as Mary dotes over a newly-born Jesus.

Give this plaque as a single gift, in a numbered set, or purchase a few for your home or place of worship. It can be given as a holiday or baby shower gift or used as a Christmas and year-round decoration depending on your preference.comes in a favor box with a Certificate of Origin And Authenticity.

A sparkling chrysanthemum blossom and a string of beautiful crystal pendants adorn this traditional teardrop impression of the holy family for another memorable piece from the Debora Carlucci collection. A lovely addition to any room, this piece will make the perfect gift for any wedding,Bomboniere,baptism, or Holy Communion and other special occasions.

The idea that guardian angels exist in order to protect us from all manner of harm is a matter of debate. If you’re on the side that loves angels, then this piece is definitely for you. The 925 silver on Crystal base features a hand-crafted design of two Italian Argento baby angels being very vigilant over humanity. Place these watchful guardian angels on your mantle, desktop, or display it in your favorite room.

In 2004, Professor Max Ramsay launched his non-profit organization called The Global Youth Trust with the purpose being "Participation, Development and Peace," uniting to address youth programming and community development issues.

He later received an honorary Doctorate in law from Cambridge University on Tuesday December 4, 2007. In 2014 Max returned to a dream delayed when he became an independent researcher at Harvard University.

Professor Ramsay has recently turned his attention and focus to helping the Youth of his home country of Jamaica by creating a newspaper and editorial called The Cambridge Times which will be under the auspices of The Global Youth Trust.

Here is some Background About The Cambridge Times Mission and Vision:

The Cambridge Times will be an organ to further strengthen our democracies!

"Within our Western Civilization, Newspapers have four (4) basic functions -- to inform, to interpret the news, to provide a service to readers, and to entertain -- within our democracies. These functions will explain what the proposed The Cambridge Times newspaper will do, and they will be why people will read it."

"Newspapers help readers become informed citizens and make better decisions by providing lots of facts. Hard news stories, vital statistics, weather, sports stories and scores, and event calendars are examples of items that help inform readers."

Some newspaper articles help interpret, or explain, the meaning of news to readers. These stories often include the opinion of the writer or newspaper management. Editorials, opinion columns, news analysis, and reviews are some examples.

"Some items in the newspaper are designed to amuse or provide enjoyment to readers. Feature stories, comics, puzzles, and humour columns are entertainment items. To inform, to interpret, to provide a service, and to entertain are the four (4) basic functions of a newspaper."

The Cambridge Times will be an organ to further strengthen our democracies!

The Cambridge Times learning outcome will generate writing ideas through discussions with others and from printed material; will identify author’s purpose for writing, including to explain, to entertain, or to inform and will use context clues to determine the meaning of homophones.

In order for this Project to be Launched and Successful we Need Your Help!

We are asking you to consider purchasing an Advertising Space in our initial Launch to help us raise the necessary funds for this Project

Please Review these costs below for our Advertising Space:

Business Card

$50

Quarter Page Ad

$125.00

Half Page Ad

$250.00

Full Page Ad

$500.00

First Page Ad

$1500.00

Back Cover

$1000.00

All Ads May Be Purchased By Clicking on the Appropriate Link on the Left Side of the Page Under "From the Heart"

You may also make a donation at any amount here below or at the Sponsor and Fund Blue Tab on the Left Side of this Page. [First Step is to please Register on the Network. You do not need to confirm your registration to donate.] Register Here

Click Here to Donate

All Donations are Tax Deducible

Here is some Background about the Esteemed Founder and Director of The Global Youth Trust Professor Wilmot Max Ramsay

Professor, Dr. Wilmot Max Ramsay was born on July 13, 1962, and grew up in Cambridge, Saint James, Jamaica. He was raised mainly by his mother Gwendolyn Victoria Scotland Ramsay, and grandmother Selina Chambers, who instilled in him the strong desire and sense of responsibility to serve his community in whatever capacity he could.

Ramsay attended high school -- Cornwall College -- in Jamaica. He was an ambitious and dedicated student; a repeat first-place winner of awards for French and Spanish, member of the UNESCO Club (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), and other leadership school organizations as well as serving as a prefect for his class.

"My crowning moment, however, was winning my local government seat -- Cambridge Division -- on Monday, March 2, 1981, at age 18 years old, thus becoming the youngest elected Councillor in Jamaica." - Wilmot Max Ramsay

Max greeting the royal family in February 1983 on the occasion of celebrating Jamaica's 21st anniversary of independence.

"At such a tender age, Politics was the natural choice as I was encouraged by fellow Cantabrigians to do so. Looking back today, mine was a novelty of entering politics at such a young age, but from a tender age, once you mean to serve your country (and humanity), you can do it!"

On a visit to Cambridge, Massachusetts where his father, Charles Adolphus Ramsay, Professor of English, resided, Wilmot Ramsay was honored by the Boston City Council for his dedication to public service and the week of September 27th through October 3rd was proclaimed Wilmot "Max" Ramsay Week in the City of Boston.

Though Max did yearn to further his education and attend university, he committed to putting that off in order to serve his full term as an elected Councillor serving his country and community. Ramsay found that he was able to be quite effective in his position especially as an advocate for the youth and young people like himself. He was after all just out of high school when elected. His concern for the well being of the youth of his community, wherever he may be, and globally, has been a common theme and priority in his life and public service.

President G.H.W. Bush, Councillor Max Ramsay along with Mayor Shalman Scott of Montego Bay, Jamaica, and other members of the St. James Parish Council welcomed to Jamaica in October of 1983.

In 1986 Ramsay's term in office was completed, and the following year he returned to the city where five years prior he'd been honored, as a foreign statesman, for his commitment to public service. The same city that's designated a week on its calendar, naming it for Max, in reverence for his service and dedication, would receive him again as a resident. He came to join his father who still lived and taught in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and to begin to pursue his higher education, which he always intended to return to after public office. Upon his return to Massachusetts, Max was awarded The-Key-To-The-City-of-Cambridge by Mayor Walter J. Sullivan in 1987.

Max continued in the realm of public service in the United States, while he began to make moves to become a full-time student, working for a couple of years at the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services.

He would enroll at UMass, Boston in 1989 as a Spanish and French major. Max picked up college in the same manner in which he conducted himself through high school, an ambitious and diligent student, thoroughly focused on his academic goals. He served as Editor-in-Chief of The UMass Times, and in a very short time would become the first black member and Secretary of the Honors Program, now the Honors College, at UMass, in the history of the university.

What would happen next would be a complete shock and turning point in Max's life, and would be a defining moment in the fight to confront long standing institutionalized racism in the world of academia.

On April 4, 1990, Max was falsely charged with plagiarism by Professor Fiora A. Bassanese, for his now famous paper, "A Look at Dante and Petrarca's Styles." This erupted into what would come to be dubbed "the UMass Boston Honors Program War."

Max's own accounting of what occurred and all that he endured can be found in the links below:

" For the duration of the Class on Wednesday, April 4, 1990, there was much uneasiness especially after Fiora A. Bassanese's: "Max, I want to see you after Class with Professor [James F.] Brennan, [the Honors Program Director."]

"On our way to the Honors Program Office (where I served as Secretary), on the second floor of Wheatley Hall, there was complete silence and the silence was strained. Once in my office we all three sat down with Fiora leading the charge. James Brennan, for the most part, only listened and observed. He is a psychologist. It is nearing 3:15 pm and Fiora exclaims that I am to bring in the sources -- books -- from which I got my material as the ball is now in "your court" and she does "not care." I calmly said that it is my honest work and that is what will stand the test of time. Brennan makes a guttural sound. We adjourn with Fiora, the Italian, Brennan, the Irish and me, the Jamaican (and later, a Jamaican American, to the surprise of many). Robert H. Spaethling, the German, was not present at the meeting. He already knew very well that as Deputy Provost he would be hearing all sides. He further knew that being an acquaintance I would, naturally, be telling him about the dramatic development which I am now confident that he already knew about."

"Yes, Fiora Antonia Bassanese made me cry. She said to me: "It is in your court and I do not care!" I thought I was going to die. My honors were about to be taken right before my eyes. However, by God's help they were not moved."

Max would hold out and persevere and prove his complete innocence and integrity with incredible courage, he would win the "honors war" with a written apology from the accusing professor Fiora A. Bassanese. The fight had taken its toll on Max, and though his name had been cleared the damage had been done.

"As a byproduct of war, I suffered a form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which left me broken as to the bold and daring advances others can undertake to your detriment. It took gubernatorial intervention, in 2005, for me to receive my Diploma even after graduation. My basic Human and Civil Rights were debased."

With all the emotional hardship and trauma, Max needed to take time for himself, away from the university, though he never had intention of not completing his degree. Though he was thoroughly shaken he was not deterred from returning at the right time, and in 2005 he graduated from UMass Boston earning his Bachelors degree after a long 16 year battle. The matter was sealed completely with the intervention of then Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, ordering Max's "well earned" diploma be released.

In 2004, Max launched his non-profit organization called The Global Youth Trust with the purpose being "Participation, Development and Peace," uniting to address youth programming and community development issues. He later received an honorary Doctorate in law from Cambridge University on Tuesday December 4, 2007. In 2014 Max returned to a dream delayed when he became an independent researcher at Harvard University.

SOAR’s mission is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in outdoor accessible activities and help provide them with accessible equipment.

SOAR provides outdoor accessible recreational opportunities for physically challenged people and families and individuals in need with a key focus of improving the lives of those with spinal cord injuries. We will motivate, inspire and create opportunities for people with disabilities who are emotionally, physically and therapeutically in need.

Take A Pie For SCI

How can you help?

The fundraiser “Take a Pie for SCI and SOAR” essentially, will be similar to the Ice Bucket Challenge from years ago for ALS. Consumers will have the option to donate funds to the fundraiser for Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI), or they can post a video on social media of them taking a pie to the face. The pies, of course, could be a paper plate topped with Reddi Wip.

We hope you will partner with SOAR to enrich the lives of children and adults with spinal cord injuries and help them to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Feel free to contact Brian Swift at 708-269-7064. This particular campaign, Take a Pie for SCI is set up to help SOAR reach their goals of helping others that are disabled and to get involved in outdoor recreational activities.

It is rare that someone can take a “tragedy” as an opportunity to change their life and help others. That is exactly what Brian P. Swift did. In 1979 on the day after Christmas, Brian Swift, at the age of 17, broke his neck playing football leaving him a C5/6 quadriplegic, with permanent paralysis from his chest down. In the process of his rehabilitation, he became aware of the importance of recreation for rehabilitation, not only to improve mobility, but to improve mental well-being. Brian saw this event in his life as a challenge and an opportunity to assist others. This life-changing event developed into his personal crusade.

Brian went back to school and received his bachelor’s degree from Saint Xavier University and his Juris Doctor degree from DePaul College of Law.

Brian Swift overcame the challenge of his disability utilizing sports for himself and others by coaching football and basketball for over twenty years. He continued hunting, fishing, and taking long rides in the outdoors after his accident to combat the emotional and physical strains of his disability.

The father of three adopted children and a husband of over 27 years, Brian developed his strategy of success, CIA: Commitment, Integrity, and Attitude. By using this strategy, Brian leaves people invigorated to face their own struggles with hope, faith, and purpose!

In his own words: "This is a TRUE STORY At the age of 17 I broke my neck playing football the day after Christmas. A month later while I was at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago my I was faced with a decision that would forever change my life and the lives of others.

Both of my parents had an amazing impact. My mom has a faith based strength about her that is unmatched and she has instilled that in me. She is selfless and gives to others like no other. As for my father, his integrity, commitment and work ethic are unmatched and this story will tell you more about my dad.

My dad came up to visit me at lunch from work. It was several days before my 18th birthday. After 15 minutes he stood up and put his overcoat on and started to walk out. He turned to me and said “ if your going to be negative I will not come up to visit you”. He said “ IT IS YOUR JOB TO KEEP OUR FAMILY UP”. If you’re up we will all be up!There was no decision to be made, I am a Swift and I have never let him, my family or friends down, I have been blessed.

What a shame for a person to grow old without truly knowing the beauty & strength of what you are capable of. There was a big change in my attitude after my accident. I had an appreciation and zest for life that I never had before. In life you can either get bitter or get better. I chose better and created my own reality.

I always felt blessed in certain ways. I just jumped back into life and one thing I always wanted to do coach football and basketball at my grammar school. Two years after my injury I starting coaching football at my grammar school. I fell in love with inspiring people. I spent over 30 years as a leader responsible to inspire and develop others and I was very successful at it. I was born to inspire and motivate, it is a fulfilling way to live. The perspective, knowledge and wisdom I gained through 39 years of being disabled is indispensable. I am also aware of what the human spirit or soul is capable of when you push it to the limit and beyond. I try to inspire and teach others to live with strength and substance, while constantly feeding yourself with the good, pure and positive.

My wife and primary care taker is an amazing angel. Like my kids words can not do her justice. She is beautiful inside and out. I have three kids ages 16, 18 and 24 and they can outwork any kid out there. At a young age they learned how to give to others because they did, with my guidance, the things I could not physically do. Giving and helping others is just a part of their lives.

I have spent years thinking of a BIG idea to create more awareness and funds to assist more people. I was out on one of my two mile wheelchair rides thinking about SOAR and BAM ''Take a Pie for SCI &SOAR" came to me. SOAR has one big fundraiser every year. We apply for grants and seek out corporate giving to help with raising funds. We also have a go fund me movement going. At this time no one gets paid for the time they donate to running SOAR.

SOAR’s mission is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in outdoor accessible activities and help provide them with accessible equipment.

There are many benefits to accessing the outdoors: 1) mental, physical & emotional health and wellness, 2) spending quality time with family & friend, and 3) most importantly to view and enjoy all of God’s outdoor creations.

We believe that recovery consists of healing the mind, not just the body and that recovery is a journey, not a destination. Being in touch with God’s creation draws us closer to the healing journey of love, grace, peace and joy of fellowship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

SOAR’s ultimate goal is to create an accessible outdoor recreation park that will provide families of individuals with physical disabilities with the opportunity to participate in activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, four wheeling, bicycling, and more. SOAR is trying to acquire 30 to 40 acres to build this accessible recreational park. If you know anyone with land that may be willing to partner with SOAR please pass on our contact information. We hope you will partner with SOAR to enrich the lives of children and adults with disabilities and help them to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

Other goals include helping more people year after year. The people we help have a wide range of disabilities from all over the country. We help disabled veterans get out fishing and hunting. We help kids get therapeutic tricycles and hand cycles. We sponsor wheelchair athletes looking to participate in outdoor recreation or sports. We sponsor a disability hunt and a triathlon. SOAR is always open to hear what your needs are."

It is our hope that SOAR can provide a place and services to help others build their bodies and minds to be healthier and happier. As SOAR grows with the help and generosity of others, it is our goal to positively effect as many lives as we can through the wonders of the great, accessible, outdoors.

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We hope you will partner with SOAR to enrich the lives of children and adults with spinal cord injuries and help them to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Feel free to contact Brian Swift at 708-269-7064. This particular campaign, Take a Pie for SCI is set up to help SOAR reach their goals of helping others that are disabled and to get involved in outdoor recreational activities.

What would you do to heal or change the world?

“Only life will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last!” We feed the hungry; teaching those we reach out to, to learn how to support themselves through various development projects so the they may become self supportive. We help them in the early days of our mission to them by providing them with the necessary means whether material, financial or seeds to help them rise and learn to do what will help them in the long run till they are able to sustain themselves. We help teenage girls who are victims of predators who seek to take advantage of their insufficiency and poverty to defile their innocence and destroy their future. We do this by reaching one person at a time, one family at a time and one teenage girl at a time.

Create better opportunities for everyone through platforms that enable everyone to have equal opportunities for education and financial success. We also Stand to Empower others through the Arts and Agriculture which will end inequality in these areas.

Open minds so that people can realize that the world is not black or white but rather grey and that people do not have to jump on a train with others because that is what they think they have to listen to. People can be masters of their own destiny. The most important thing is for people to also then realize that the purpose of us being here is to care for one and help take care of one another.

Animals'Angels would like to continue and increase our undercover investigations to expose the cruelty animals all over the country face every day and to ensure that the abusers are held accountable for their actions.

I seek to create a climate where good people are not afraid to do the right thing and do not risk starvation homelessness and poverty because they have moral courage.I seek to crowdfund this story and employ anyone who donates for any contribution of talent that they may desire to give to this project. Example:If you can assist with the screen play you will be in the film , I am seeking talent.

Our HOPE and COPE Wellness Initiative brings healing and wellness to all persons who wish to improve the quality of their lives in 6 primary areas of wellness: Attitudinal, Interpersonal,Financial, Physical, Emotional, and of course, Spiritual. We do this by focusing on working on the external wellness of the person toward healing their internal well-being. Our unique project: FREEDOM BIKES - Wheelin' and Healin' is one of our flagship programs, helping encourage, educate and find financial partners to get the "right bike for the right price" so that people can feel better, save money and be more effective in their professional and personal lives.

Let people know that what ever hurt they have is not forever and they have help available to them, they just need to know where to look. And look no farther than your own back yard because there are many people and organizations making a difference in the world!

Help people find a way out of the 'Financial Matrix' is the main thing that we do. Our company was also founded on Leadership principles that offer Continuing Education for CPA's. Corporate Training for individuals to use personally or to help train the staff they have in their businesses.

We have to focus on the most underprivileged human beings. Being Jewish we are focused on our Holy Land the land of Israel which G-d bestowed to the Jewish people and we come to the aid of the most vulnerable people in the Holy Land. These are the orphans and children at risk that we are taking under our wings at a young age and by the time they are adults they serve in the army and get married to build a beautiful home in Israel.

Since I began playing music and working as a teacher in 2009 all I've tried to do my best. My best at reaching kids. My best at writing and playing. If you twisted my arm for a more specific answer I'd say that by being a good person, friend, son, brother, colleague, and fellow musician is how I can contribute my little line to the story of the world. I feel like if more people focused on the positives in their lives (despite even experiencing or living in adverse conditions...easier said than done I know) then the world would begin to heal itself. When you think positively, and seek that out in your every day life, you will find it. We're surrounded by goodness; it's just a matter of knowing how to see it. It is my hope that through my music I'm able to offer people out there just a few minutes of goodness and happiness for their day or their evening. There are dozens of songs that when I first heard them I instantly knew they'd become part of my regular listening because of the way they made me feel. If I do a good enough job, maybe one day my music can serve that same purpose for someone else.

As we look at the world today, healing starts with self. God created everything, therefore God is our healer and provider. It is in that where we create healing and change. We all have the fundamental desire to create an ideal world, where everyone is healthy, happy, and free of suffering. We have to educate more on healing and forgiving which gives the tools to help people move forward, learning the word of God and being able to create change among Christian's as walk more upright in to bring about positive change. The habitual tendency we all have is to look around us, find out what’s wrong with the world, and then try to “fix” it. This is what I consider to be a miracle. Every time I forgive myself, I create more space for love, happiness, and world change. While forgiving ourselves, on its own, won’t end global suffering or create world peace, creating peace within will better enable us to find and enact solutions to the larger problems we all face. Healing myself creates a ripple affect across the universe, allowing me to help others heal, creating a changed and healed world. I love outreach ministry, in that ministry I teach that we all have to work together to become one to bring about a change in our community, but we just cannot stop there. We have to learn to allow God to be God, spreading the gospel around the world as well as in our own neighborhood's. Are we our brothers and sisters keeper? YES WE ARE.

Want to shine a light on someone who is making an impact? Is something going on that everyone should know about? Do you want to shed light on an issue and rally others to stand and unite with you. Share the story by creating a Light on the World spotlight!

In 2004, Professor Max Ramsay launched his non-profit organization called The Global Youth Trust with the purpose being "Participation, Development and Peace," uniting to address youth programming and community development issues.

He later received an honorary Doctorate in law from Cambridge University on Tuesday December 4, 2007. In 2014 Max returned to a dream delayed when he became an independent researcher at Harvard University.

Professor Ramsay has recently turned his attention and focus to helping the Youth of his home country of Jamaica by creating a newspaper and editorial called The Cambridge Times which will be under the auspices of The Global Youth Trust.

Here is some Background About The Cambridge Times Mission and Vision:

The Cambridge Times will be an organ to further strengthen our democracies!

"Within our Western Civilization, Newspapers have four (4) basic functions -- to inform, to interpret the news, to provide a service to readers, and to entertain -- within our democracies. These functions will explain what the proposed The Cambridge Times newspaper will do, and they will be why people will read it."

"Newspapers help readers become informed citizens and make better decisions by providing lots of facts. Hard news stories, vital statistics, weather, sports stories and scores, and event calendars are examples of items that help inform readers."

Some newspaper articles help interpret, or explain, the meaning of news to readers. These stories often include the opinion of the writer or newspaper management. Editorials, opinion columns, news analysis, and reviews are some examples.

"Some items in the newspaper are designed to amuse or provide enjoyment to readers. Feature stories, comics, puzzles, and humour columns are entertainment items. To inform, to interpret, to provide a service, and to entertain are the four (4) basic functions of a newspaper."

The Cambridge Times will be an organ to further strengthen our democracies!

The Cambridge Times learning outcome will generate writing ideas through discussions with others and from printed material; will identify author’s purpose for writing, including to explain, to entertain, or to inform and will use context clues to determine the meaning of homophones.

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Here is some Background about the Esteemed Founder and Director of The Global Youth Trust Professor Wilmot Max Ramsay

Professor, Dr. Wilmot Max Ramsay was born on July 13, 1962, and grew up in Cambridge, Saint James, Jamaica. He was raised mainly by his mother Gwendolyn Victoria Scotland Ramsay, and grandmother Selina Chambers, who instilled in him the strong desire and sense of responsibility to serve his community in whatever capacity he could.

Ramsay attended high school -- Cornwall College -- in Jamaica. He was an ambitious and dedicated student; a repeat first-place winner of awards for French and Spanish, member of the UNESCO Club (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), and other leadership school organizations as well as serving as a prefect for his class.

"My crowning moment, however, was winning my local government seat -- Cambridge Division -- on Monday, March 2, 1981, at age 18 years old, thus becoming the youngest elected Councillor in Jamaica." - Wilmot Max Ramsay

Max greeting the royal family in February 1983 on the occasion of celebrating Jamaica's 21st anniversary of independence.

"At such a tender age, Politics was the natural choice as I was encouraged by fellow Cantabrigians to do so. Looking back today, mine was a novelty of entering politics at such a young age, but from a tender age, once you mean to serve your country (and humanity), you can do it!"

On a visit to Cambridge, Massachusetts where his father, Charles Adolphus Ramsay, Professor of English, resided, Wilmot Ramsay was honored by the Boston City Council for his dedication to public service and the week of September 27th through October 3rd was proclaimed Wilmot "Max" Ramsay Week in the City of Boston.

Though Max did yearn to further his education and attend university, he committed to putting that off in order to serve his full term as an elected Councillor serving his country and community. Ramsay found that he was able to be quite effective in his position especially as an advocate for the youth and young people like himself. He was after all just out of high school when elected. His concern for the well being of the youth of his community, wherever he may be, and globally, has been a common theme and priority in his life and public service.

President G.H.W. Bush, Councillor Max Ramsay along with Mayor Shalman Scott of Montego Bay, Jamaica, and other members of the St. James Parish Council welcomed to Jamaica in October of 1983.

In 1986 Ramsay's term in office was completed, and the following year he returned to the city where five years prior he'd been honored, as a foreign statesman, for his commitment to public service. The same city that's designated a week on its calendar, naming it for Max, in reverence for his service and dedication, would receive him again as a resident. He came to join his father who still lived and taught in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and to begin to pursue his higher education, which he always intended to return to after public office. Upon his return to Massachusetts, Max was awarded The-Key-To-The-City-of-Cambridge by Mayor Walter J. Sullivan in 1987.

Max continued in the realm of public service in the United States, while he began to make moves to become a full-time student, working for a couple of years at the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services.

He would enroll at UMass, Boston in 1989 as a Spanish and French major. Max picked up college in the same manner in which he conducted himself through high school, an ambitious and diligent student, thoroughly focused on his academic goals. He served as Editor-in-Chief of The UMass Times, and in a very short time would become the first black member and Secretary of the Honors Program, now the Honors College, at UMass, in the history of the university.

What would happen next would be a complete shock and turning point in Max's life, and would be a defining moment in the fight to confront long standing institutionalized racism in the world of academia.

On April 4, 1990, Max was falsely charged with plagiarism by Professor Fiora A. Bassanese, for his now famous paper, "A Look at Dante and Petrarca's Styles." This erupted into what would come to be dubbed "the UMass Boston Honors Program War."

Max's own accounting of what occurred and all that he endured can be found in the links below:

" For the duration of the Class on Wednesday, April 4, 1990, there was much uneasiness especially after Fiora A. Bassanese's: "Max, I want to see you after Class with Professor [James F.] Brennan, [the Honors Program Director."]

"On our way to the Honors Program Office (where I served as Secretary), on the second floor of Wheatley Hall, there was complete silence and the silence was strained. Once in my office we all three sat down with Fiora leading the charge. James Brennan, for the most part, only listened and observed. He is a psychologist. It is nearing 3:15 pm and Fiora exclaims that I am to bring in the sources -- books -- from which I got my material as the ball is now in "your court" and she does "not care." I calmly said that it is my honest work and that is what will stand the test of time. Brennan makes a guttural sound. We adjourn with Fiora, the Italian, Brennan, the Irish and me, the Jamaican (and later, a Jamaican American, to the surprise of many). Robert H. Spaethling, the German, was not present at the meeting. He already knew very well that as Deputy Provost he would be hearing all sides. He further knew that being an acquaintance I would, naturally, be telling him about the dramatic development which I am now confident that he already knew about."

"Yes, Fiora Antonia Bassanese made me cry. She said to me: "It is in your court and I do not care!" I thought I was going to die. My honors were about to be taken right before my eyes. However, by God's help they were not moved."

Max would hold out and persevere and prove his complete innocence and integrity with incredible courage, he would win the "honors war" with a written apology from the accusing professor Fiora A. Bassanese. The fight had taken its toll on Max, and though his name had been cleared the damage had been done.

"As a byproduct of war, I suffered a form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which left me broken as to the bold and daring advances others can undertake to your detriment. It took gubernatorial intervention, in 2005, for me to receive my Diploma even after graduation. My basic Human and Civil Rights were debased."

With all the emotional hardship and trauma, Max needed to take time for himself, away from the university, though he never had intention of not completing his degree. Though he was thoroughly shaken he was not deterred from returning at the right time, and in 2005 he graduated from UMass Boston earning his Bachelors degree after a long 16 year battle. The matter was sealed completely with the intervention of then Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, ordering Max's "well earned" diploma be released.

In 2004, Max launched his non-profit organization called The Global Youth Trust with the purpose being "Participation, Development and Peace," uniting to address youth programming and community development issues. He later received an honorary Doctorate in law from Cambridge University on Tuesday December 4, 2007. In 2014 Max returned to a dream delayed when he became an independent researcher at Harvard University.

One World Blue is working hard to continue improving its look and service and bring you the highest quality possible in your social media and crowdfunding experience. These images you see here will be the new One World Blue Version 2.0. We know you are as excited to see them as we are!

Please consider giving your support today so we can continue the growth and maintenance of our network as well as expand into the future with enhanced features for your needs. You may choose from an incentive of a service we offer (see From the Heart on the left) or you may also be inspired just to contribute from the value you see in our network. ANY AMOUNT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.

We are grateful for your encouragement and sponsorship on any level to bring One World Blue to levels not seen before and continue our work for the revolutionary platform that is The One World Blue Network, The Social Network for Social and Planetary Healing and Change. Since the launch of the network January of 2015, One World Blue has already begun to build a strong foundation of Global Communities Standing Together as One, United in strong Faith and Friendship to bring much needed Social and Planetary Healing to our Earth. We collectively are raising the needed awareness and attention to work together and solve Planetary and Global Challenges we and our future generations now face.

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One World Blue Sponsors Freedom From Fracking Concert with Rusted Root

My name is Attila Domos, and I'm a T11/T12 paraplegic, since September 22, of 1993. I had my falling accident the same night my former band and I signed a recording contract. You could say it was a Yin/Yang kind of an evening. I was always an ambitious person, and very goal driven. While I was born into a musician family, I was also, and still am an athlete. Most recently I've been competing in hand-cycling events.

I've competed in many sports both in my youth and adult life. Some include water polo, soccer, baseball, American football, Martial Arts, power lifting and as I said earlier... hand-cycling. I was always drawn to physical challenges. I'm the type of person who was always driven by a desire to make a difference, to be a force for good. I've used whatever talents I was born with to make a difference in the lives of others, and what I'm working towards now, will be by far my biggest challenge ever, but it will also allow me to do a lot of good around the world.

As many of you know, I’m on a mission this weekend (October 6th and 7th), to once and for all OFFICIALLY break the handcycling world record of 403.8 miles traveled in 24 hours. But this incredibly difficult task is only the beginning of even bigger things to come.

Once the record is mine, my next goal is to handcycle across America, in the TransAmerican Bike Race, which is a self-supported race across America, from Oregon to Maryland, a total of 4,6oo miles, winding through the Rocky mountains, the Midwest plains and the Appalachian mountains, all without being allowed a support team.

While this is a rough test for even a seasoned bicyclist, in a handcycle it’s incredibly rough, since without the aid of a support crew, I’ll have to tie my wheelchair to the back of my handcycle, put all of my day to day supplies I’ll need, and pull it all behind me… making me pull an extra 50 to 60 lbs. To top it off… my goal is to get from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean in 80 days (yes… inspired by Jules Verne).

In order for me to accomplish this task, I’ll have to ride an average distance of 65 miles per day… which doesn’t sound like that much, till you consider the fact that a handcycle is not only heavier than a bike, but it’s drive is in the front (very little weight to support the mountain climbs) I’m using my arms (as opposed to the legs, which are WAY easier), and as I mentioned before… I’m pulling an extra 50 to 60 lbs behind me, adding even more challenge to the front wheel drive.

My goal for this challenge is to create a reality show out of it, and challenge America to workout with me. Folks don’t have to work out for 8 hours or more each day, like I’ll be doing, but I ask people to come along with me, by promising to exercise each day I ride. They are asked to go outside, and play with their kids, go for a run, hit the gym, jump rope… whatever they want to do… just do it for at least 1 hour each day that I ride. I want them to weigh themselves or do a BMI (however they want to measure themselves) on day one… and then again on day eighty. I guarantee they’ll see results, which will make them happy.

But this task has another beneficial effect, and that’s to show people… especially kids, that no matter how big the goal is… if they take that first step, and continue with the second, third and on and on… all the while they keep their eyes on that finish line… they too can accomplish any goal, no matter how insurmountable it seems. I want people to understand that they’re more, than whom they think they are. MUCH… MORE!

But... in order to make this happen, we’ll have to raise at least $25k, which I’ll need for nightly lodging, food, bike repairs, and any other emergencies which will likely pop up in such an undertaking. It’s why we’re taking pre-orders for Gift Package items to commemorate this historic world record breaking event!

We will be selling Gift Package items from T-shirts and hats, to coffee mugs, koozies, tote bags and cooler bags, and all will have “Lets Do Something Amazing'… IT’S A BURGH THING!!”, along with my name, the distance traveled and the date. All of the proceeds will go toward making my journey in the Trans-American Bike Race a reality.

Get your collectables today, and show your Pittsburgh pride. Don’t let this historic event pass you by. Grab your swag, and help a fellow Pittsburgher continue to make history… one inspirational mission at a time.

LOOK AT GIFT PACKAGES UNDER FROM THE HEART ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THIS PAGE. ONLY TWO STEPS NEEDED. FIRST REGISTER ON THIS NETWORK SO WE WILL KNOW WHERE TO SEND YOUR PACKAGES TO AND THEN SECOND CHOOSE YOUR GIFT PACKAGE YOU WANT!

GIFT PACKAGE (1) $60: Complete with

T-Shirt

"Attila Domos Let's Do Something Amazing'... It's a BURGH THING!!"

"It's a Burgh Thing!!" Drink Cooler Bag

"It's a Burgh Thing!!" Beach Bag

"It's a Burgh Thing!!" Drink Koozie

Gift Package (2) $75: Complete with

T-Shirt and Hat together!

"Attila Domos 'Let's Do Something Amazing'... It's a BURGH THING!!"

"It's a Burgh Thing!!" Drink Cooler Bag

"It's a Burgh Thing!!" Beach Bag

"It's a Burgh Thing!!" Drink Koozie

(ALL MERCHANDISE WILL BE CUSTOMIZED WITH ATTILA'S NAME AND SLOGANS ABOVE)

(Shipping not included. Individual shipping charges will apply depending on location. Pick up also available. Please allow 4-6 weeks from the time the $25K goal is reached, for your "non-electronic" rewards to arrive.)

Thank you,

Attila Domos

For more information about Attila, please visit

http://www.attiladomos.com/index.html

Here you will find much more information about Attila and his many accomplishments and life inspirational achievments

The success of VanGo Media Group is the result of our intense passion and God given ability to Move Forward. We strive to continue to shape and change the entertainment landscape and lead the evolution of entertainment, programming, promotion, marketing, and sales.

Currently, we have forged new partnerships with Internet and television, never wavering in the belief that these new associations will set a path for a great future for our company and our clients.

VanGo Media Group continues to believe each of our new ideas is an important aspect of the communities in which we work and live. We believe our employees have the knowledge, the dedication, and the ingenuity to lead us to newer heights, to break through the barriers to success, and to continue to build upon our already celebrated tradition.

In that “tradition” of successful ventures, we hope that all of you, enjoy the Starquest TV Challenge, and we welcome any comments, suggestions, and critiques. Our goal is to provide you with QUALITY entertainment…..and as you should also know by now, we want, through this program, to be able to bring POSITIVE CHANGE to anyone out there who NEEDS and DESIRES POSITIVE change in their life whether it be spiritual growth, Ill health, addictions or simply helping to get your life on the DESIRED path.

There is NO BETTER FEELING…than to know that you had a part in bringing positive change to the life of another.

How INCREDIBLY COOL is it…that you can have the SAME experience….BUT….the only difference is….the COMPETITION and the POTENTIAL STARS….are YOUR FRIENDS and NEIGHBORS….or…..

YOU…RIGHT HERE IN “THE BURGH” ?? !!!

Welcome to the STARQUEST TV CHALLENGE !

FINALS WERE HELD AT SUNNY JIMS TAVERN ON DECEMBER 16th 2017

What IS the StarQuest TV Challenge ?

Well…simply put……..Thousands of singers will be competing throughout The Greater Pittsburgh area, and over the next 12 months, will SING THEIR HEARTS out at Universities, Churches, Restaurants, Lounges, Bars, and Nightclubs, for the chance to appear on the show. If they win on their week, they go to the finals where they can win $25,000.00 worth of cash & prizes !!

Yes, we are a talent-based show. However, our show format will produce and implement POSITIVE messages to those who really want and NEED help, changing their way of thinking, and we will get them to the next desired level in life so that they and their families can live a more productive and prosperous life. The people involved with this venture are PASSIONATE about helping people DISCOVER Faith… STRENGTHEN their FAITH… and their entire outlook on life! Do you or someone you know or love, have an addiction problem? StarQuest TV CHALLENGE WANTS TO HELP! If we save or bring POSITIVE change in only ONE life, then we have completed our mission. You can learn more about our passion, our goals…and what motivates us, in different areas of this site. This site will answer ALL questions and will keep all visitors regularly informed of ALL things related to the STARQUEST TV CHALLENGE! Take the time to visit all of the informative links…so that you can keep current and informed about this EXCITING EVENT happening in YOUR CITY!

“A MAJOR priority of ours, is to build STRENGTH in our business communities and promote good service announcements on our show, which give people in our communities who may be suffering from addictions and ill health, the opportunity to get the help they need and the motivation to help them make better choices and help the people grow spiritually.. with the assistance of state and local agencies that will be working with us throughout this campaign. Yes….we’re looking for talent, but more importantly…we’re looking to CHANGE LIVES in MANY ways !”

Oneg Shemesh's music represents a fresh and innovative new sound in Jewish music. His engaging and interactive style is sure to invigorate your soul and your feet!

Oneg Shemesh, whose first name means “utmost joy”, is an Israeli-born guitarist and singer known for positive, well-crafted songs, and genre-blending, innovative work that blends the spiritual aspects of the Modern Orthodox culture in which he was raised with a folk rock sensibility.

Whether singing about “shining the light forward” or one’s personal responsibilities in “Only I”, Oneg Shemesh’s music is at times evocative, inspirational, and powerful while always remaining upbeat.

Oneg was raised in Israel on Moshav Modi’im near Tel Aviv. After completing his army service, he joined The Moshav Band as a founding member, an Israeli American-Jewish folk rock band, they combine Jewish music with elements of alternative rock, folk, and reggae. Shemesh toured with them throughout Israel, the United States and Canada.

When he is not creating and performing music, he likes to spend time with his 3 beautiful children, hike, rollerblade, bike & workout at the gym. He currently resides in West Hempstead, NY.

I'm so grateful to my amazing fans! With your help the song & music video called SOME DAYS in memory of my Mom O.B.M. has been completed & released! Check it out below!

Check out his live shows

This song is dedicated to my Mom A”H ברכה בת חונה יואל הכהן וזלטא

I had the privilege of writing this song & performing it for my Mom before she passed on FEB 5, 2017.

Here is the clip she took on her phone & this is what she wrote about the experience.

This is a beautiful song that my son Oneg Shemesh wrote with me in mind. He really nailed it perfectly. He totally captured in the simple lyrics, exactly how I’m feeling these days. Every time I hear him singing this, I am moved to tears and at the same time filled with joy!

Please share this song with anyone you know who is fighting cancer or who needs to hear this message of HOPE!

To buy the song go to https://onegshemesh.com/track/1542488/some-days

Listen

Oneg Shemesh Programs

Check out my merchandise page! With your support we are able to continue releasing music & spreading the joy!!

Check out my store !

Every purchase you make helps me to raise the funds to cover the costs of marking & promoting my music.

The history of Zoroastrianism began with the Prophet Zarathushtra teaching what was called “the Good Religion,” to ancient Persia and Central Asia. His teachings taught obedience to one god; while he drew a small group of dedicated men and women, he also met with great resistance from local priests and princes. According to legend, Zarathushtra was invited to present his teachings before King Vishtasp, who became one of the first of many rulers in Central Asia to embrace this new and revolutionary faith. The religion continued to evolve into its present form from the belief in a supreme god representing what became the state religion of the Persians. Its present monotheistic and at least what some would call dualistic varieties all involve worship of one god, the good one who will triumph over the evil forces. This represents the dualism in all forms of the faith that goes back to its founder Zarathushtra.

Zoroastrianism gradually gained wider acceptance, becoming the religion of the Achaemenian Empire (550–330 BCE) founded by Cyrus the Great. The Achaemenians established the first “universal empire” across linguistic and cultural frontiers, practicing religious and ethnic tolerance for their subjects. The Achaemenians were defeated by Alexander the Great in 330 BCE, and the city of Persepolis, along with its library of religious texts, was destroyed by fire. After nearly a century of Greek rule under the Seleucids, the Parthians (256 BCE–226 CE) came to power and ruled in ancient Iran for many centuries. The Sassanian Empire (226–652 CE) succeeded that of the Parthians and during the next four hundred years, the Sassanian kings established Zoroastrianism as the state religion of Iran. This was the “golden age” of Zoroastrianism, with as many as thirty million people practicing the faith. The liturgy of the Avesta was collected into a cohesive unit, and new literature in the Pahlavi language flourished.

In 652 CE, the Sassanian Empire was defeated by Arab Muslims. The majority of Zoroastrians accepted Islam. Those who did not and were not fleeing the country fled to other areas within Iran. The Zoroastrian refugees developed their own language, Zoroastrian Dari, as well as a separate culture.

The Zoroastrians faced considerable adversity and religious persecution, which varied under different dynasties. Under the Umayyad dynasty, personal rights could be obtained with the payment of jizya, a special tax for non-Muslims, while during the Qajar dynasty, repression of the Zoroastrian religion took on cruel and violent forms. The life of Zoroastrians in Iran was often characterized by humiliation—with rules preventing them from riding on horseback, building places of worship, receiving an inheritance, or even from carrying umbrellas or wearing eyeglasses. With greater freedoms in the 20th century, Zoroastrians were able to establish themselves in business, industry, the educational field, and philanthropy. Many of today's Iranians are Zoroastrians who pretend to be Muslims.

The Roma are an ethnic people who have migrated across Europe for a thousand years. The Roma culture has a rich oral tradition, with an emphasis on family. Often portrayed as exotic and strange, the Roma have faced discrimination and persecution for centuries.

Today, they are one of the largest ethnic minorities in Europe — about 12 million to 15 million people, according to UNICEF, with 70 percent of them living in Eastern Europe. About a million Roma live in the United States, according to Time.

Roma is the word that many Roma use to describe themselves. They are also known as Rom or Romany.

The Roma are also sometimes called Gypsies. However, some people consider that a derogatory term, a holdover from when it was thought these people came from Egypt. It is now thought that the Roma people migrated to Europe from India about 1,500 years ago.

They originated in northern India and by the second half of the 20th century they had spread to every inhabited continent.

Because of their migratory nature, their absence in official census returns, and their popular classification with other nomadic groups, estimates of the total world Roma population range from two million to five million. No significant statistical picture can be gained from the sporadic reporting in different countries. Most Roma were still in Europe in the early 21st century, especially in the Slavic-speaking lands of central Europe and the Balkans. Large numbers live in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, the Czech and Slovak republics, and Hungary.

All nomadic Roma migrate at least seasonally along patterned routes that ignore national boundaries. They also follow along a chain, as it were, of kin or tribal links. The Roma’s own supposed disposition to wander has been forcibly furthered by exile or deportation. Only 80 years after their first appearance in western Europe in the 15th century, they fell under the penalty of banishment in almost all the nations of western Europe. Despite their systematic exile, or transportation abroad, however, they continued to reappear in one guise or another back in the countries they had left.

All unsettled confederations who live among settled peoples seem to become convenient scapegoats. So it is with the Roma, who have regularly been accused by the local populace of many evils as a prelude to later official and legal persecution. Their relations with the authorities in the host country have been marked by consistent contradiction. Official decrees were often aimed at settling or assimilating them, yet local authorities systematically refused them the bare hospitality of a campsite. During the Holocaust the Nazis murdered an estimated 400,000 Roma. French laws in modern times forbade them campsites and subjected them to police supervision, yet they were taxed and drafted for military service like ordinary citizens. Spain and Wales are two countries often cited as examples where Roma have become settled, if not wholly assimilated. In modern times the socialist countries of eastern Europe attempted programs of enforced settlement to end Roma migration.

Traditionally the Roma have pursued occupations that allowed them to maintain an itinerant life on the perimeters of settled society. The men were livestock traders, animal trainers and exhibitors, tinkers (metalsmiths and utensil repairmen), and musicians; the women told fortunes, sold potions, begged, and worked as entertainers. Before the advent of veterinary medicine, many farmers looked to Roma livestock dealers for advice on herd health and husbandry.

The archetypal Roma family consists of a married couple, their unmarried children, and at least one married son, his wife, and their children. Upon marriage, a young couple typically lives with the husband’s parents while the young wife learns the ways of her husband’s group. Ideally, by the time an older son is ready to move away with his family, a younger son will have married and joined the household with his new wife. Although the practice had declined significantly by the late 20th century, marriages traditionally were arranged by the elders in the family or band (vitsa) to strengthen political and kinship ties to other families, bands, or, occasionally, confederations. A central feature of Roma marriages was the payment of a bride-price to the parents of the bride by the parents of the groom.

Gypsy chieftains (voivodes) are elected for life from among outstanding families of the group, and the office is not heritable. Their power and authority vary according to the size of the band, its traditions, and its relationships with other bands within a confederation.

It was the voivode who acted as treasurer for the whole band, decided the pattern of its migration, and became its spokesman to local municipal authorities. He governed through a council of elders that also consulted with the phuri dai, a senior woman in the band. The phuri dai’s influence was strong, particularly in regard to the fate of the women and children, and seemed to rest much on the evident earning power and organization of the women as a group within the band.

Strongest among Roma institutions of social control was the kris, connoting both the body of customary law and values of justice as well as the ritual and formation of the tribunal of the band. Basic to the Roma code were the all-embracing concepts of fidelity, cohesiveness, and reciprocity within the recognized political unit. The ultimate negative sanction of the kris tribunal, which dealt with all disputes and breaches of the code, was excommunication from the band. A sentence of ostracism, however, might exclude the individual from participation in certain band activities and punish him with menial tasks. In some cases rehabilitation was granted by the elders and followed by a feast of reconciliation.

Bands are made up of vitsas, which are name groups of extended families with common descent either patrilineal or matrilineal, as many as 200 strong.

Spiritual beliefs

The Roma do not follow a single faith; rather, they often adopt the predominant religion of the country where they are living, according to Open Society, and describe themselves as "many stars scattered in the sight of God." Some Roma groups are Catholic, Muslim, Pentecostal, Protestant, Anglican or Baptist.

The Roma live by a complex set of rules that govern things such as cleanliness, purity, respect, honor and justice. These rules are referred to as what is "Rromano." Rromano means to behave with dignity and respect as a Roma person, according to Open Society. "Rromanipé" is what the Roma refer to as their worldview.

Language

Though the groups of Roma are varied, they all do speak one language, called Rromanës. Rromanës has roots in Sanskritic languages, and is related to Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and Bengali. Some Romani words have been borrowed by English speakers, including "pal" (brother) and "lollipop" (from lolo-phabai-cosh, red apple on a stick).

The Roma today

While there are still traveling bands, most use cars and RVs to move from place to place rather than the horses and wagons of the past.

Today, most Roma have settled into houses and apartments and are not readily distinguishable. Because of continued discrimination, many do not publicly acknowledge their roots and only reveal themselves to other Roma.

While there is not a physical country affiliated with the Romani people, the International Romani Union was officially established in 1977. In 2000, The 5th World Romany Congress in 2000 officially declared Romani a non-territorial nation.

During the Decade of Roma Inclusion (2005-2015), 12 European countries made a commitment to eliminate discrimination against the Roma. The effort focused on education, employment, health and housing, as well as core issues of poverty, discrimination, and gender mainstreaming. However, according to the RSG, despite the initiative, Roma continue to face widespread discrimination.

According to a report by the Council of Europe's commissioner for human rights, "there is a shameful lack of implementation concerning the human rights of Roma … In many countries hate speech, harassment and violence against Roma are commonplace."

Edited from the Encyclopedia Brittanica Roma article online as well as from https://amp.livescience.com/44512-gypsy-culture.html

Matcha ceremony (Chanoyu) is very complicated. Students of Chanoyu go to University to learn and study every aspect of it! Books that are written about it cannot hold all of its complexities within. Nonetheless, in this Spotlight, we will endeavor to shed a faint light on one of the most beautiful and complicated ceremonies in the world: Chanoyu.

What is Matcha?

"Matcha is a first class type of powdered, extra-fine ground tea that is used for the Japanese tea ceremony, Chanoyu, during which the tea is whisked with a bamboo tool called a chasen, in a handcrafted bowl called a chawan. Quality Matcha is always a pea-green, extra-fine powder with a distinctive, grassy aroma. The foamy infusion is fresh and deep green with an unforgettable, intense taste. Its health benefits are endless! We recommend that it be enjoyed after dessert or with a Japanese sweet, but never drink it on an empty stomach!" Taken fromDobra Tea

Matcha is made from the leaves of the Gyokuro tea plant. Gyokuro that is shade grown for more than 20 days is harvest by hand. The leaves are preprocessed into tencha by steaming and drying. When ground in a milstone (think giant granite stones), the tencha becomes matcha.

Two styles of matcha are served during the tea ceremony. The first, thin-style matcha, called usucha (oo-Soo-cha) is served to each person. The second, thick-style matcha, called koicha (Koy-cha) is shared among the guests.

What is Tea Ceremony?

Japanese tea ceremony is about four elements: wa, kei, sei, and jaku or harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. When one includes all elements, one can enjoy the simplicity of drinking tea. Harmony can be created through cleanliness; the ceremony is held in a room without clutter and with elegant decorations, like flowers in a vase or a flag of calligraphy. Respect is created by thoughtful consideration of everything and everyone involved in the ceremony. Topics that can lead to arguments are not discussed during tea ceremony. Purity comes from the cleaning of the utensils and the boiling of the water. Tranquility is achieved after the calm consumption of the tea.

The Five Parts of Chanoyu, Simplified

The Yoritsuki (receiving room): The receiving room is prepared to comfort the arriving guests. In the room, guests may prepare themselves for the tea ceremony by changing their cloths (kimonos are popular choices) or using the bathroom. Usually a pot of hot water is available to the guests to refresh and cleanse their palate. Sometimes the hot water is made with toasted rice. Relaxation is important before the tea ceremony.

The Roji (passageway): In traditional tea ceremony, after preparing in the yoritsuki, the guests move outside to the garden. The garden is specially prepared as a passageway to the tearoom. Stepping stones surrounded by moss are common. The ground is lightly sprayed to mimic the clean look of a gentle rain. The passageway is meant to create tranquility by experiencing the beauty of nature and refreshing the mind.

The Tskukubai (symbolic cleaning): Within the roji is a special place for guests to cleanse their hands and mouths called the tskukubai. It is made of carefully placed plants, stones, and pebbles. a stone basin filled with constantly flowing water allows the guests to physically clean before the ceremony, refreshing the body.

The Machiai (waiting room): The machiai is a waiting area comprised of a wall with a small roof and bench beneath. It is an area for guests to wait for the rest of the group and quietly enjoy the tranquility of the garden. The host appears after everyone has gathered in the machiai. The guests greet the host with a simultaneous bow. With a gong, the host invites the guests into the tearoom.

The Chashitsu (tearoom): After the drum of the gong fades, the guests walk to the unique entrance of the tearoom. The entrance, called nijiri guchi, is small, only about three feet high and two and a half feet wide. All guests must humbly stoop to enter the tearoom. Upon entering, guests slide toward the alcove, which displays artistic calligraphy, typically the work of a well known Zen priest, and bow to show respect. Flower arrangements and incense holders are also present. After examining the artwork, guest move toward the host to inspect the teakettle and utensils. After inspection they take their places for the tea ceremony.
The tearoom gives the sense of elegance and peace. Soft light shines through the shoji screens, highlighting the objects on display, and incense perfumes the air. The soft sound of boiling water is heard. Beginning the gathering, the host opens a sliding door that connects the kitchen to the tearoom and enters the tearoom. Everyone, including the host, quietly bows with respect. The host welcomes everyone and explains the special reason for the ceremony, if there is one. The guest of honor, or main guest, thanks the host on behalf of the other guests.

Description of Ceremony

A door made of rectangular rice paper windows opens. Two outstretched hands reach through the doorway and place a utensil on the floor. The hands, now pressed on the floor, allow their master to shuffle into the room. The master is a Japanese woman, dressed in beautiful green robes (kimono) with a large belt and a bow tied in the back. She picks up the utensil, places it ahead of her again, and shuffles toward it a second time. Finally within the room, she stands, walks slowly toward the flag of poetry enshrined on the wall, kneels and bows to it. She then approaches the kama, the water vessel in the room, inspects it and the ornate vase misisashi next to it. Since everything is correct, she walks to the corner of the room, by the door to kneel and rest. She is guest.

The Cajuns are descendants of Roman Catholic French Canadians whom the British, in the 18th century, drove from the captured French colony of Acadia (now Nova Scotia and adjacent areas)who settled in the fertile bayou lands of southern Louisiana. The Cajuns today form small, compact, generally self-contained communities. Their patois is a combination of archaic French forms with idioms taken from their English, Spanish, German, American Indian, and African American (usually “Creole”) neighbors.

Pres. Teddy Roosevelt was a proponent of the ‘melting pot’ philosophy. The movement was led by people in Louisiana such as Progressive Luther Hall, elected governor in 1912. In July of that year, the legislature passed an act allowing the Department of Education to select all books and curricula for public schools. Starting the next year, English was stressed throughout the curricula, essentially banning French from the schools. In 1916, the state legislature approved Act 27, which required that all children attend public school where English was to be the language. This implicitly meant that the Cajun children that were brought up speaking French in their homes would have to learn English. The events were completed in 1921 when the Louisiana Constitution was changed so that all school proceedings had to be conducted in English. This succession of events led to many Cajuns growing up without learning their ancestral language. Stories abound of Cajun children being punished for speaking French at school.

Most of the parents of children in school for the first few decades of the century had grown up speaking French and still spoke it in the home. Children would learn English at school, but still learned some French in the home. As that English-educated generation grew up and had their own families, the use of French in the home was decreased with each generation. Some Cajun families, especially in more rural areas, continued to pass along the Cajun French language throughout the twentieth century.

Things began to turn around in the 1960s. Faced with the prospect of losing their language, CODOFIL (Council for the Development of French in Louisiana) was established in 1968 to help bring interest in the French language back to the educational system. Less than 5% of Cajuns born in the last fifty years speak French as their primary language. The French being taught by CODOFIL was not Cajun French. Still, it was a move leading to French language preservation amongst the Cajuns. French immersion programs can now be found across Acadiana, Cajun Louisiana.

Zachary Richard founded Action Cadienne to advocate for the Cajun French language. The group maintains that the language is integral to the continuation of Cajun culture.

Cajun cuisine reflects the mixture of cultures in Louisiana. Among its classic dishes are alligator stew, jambalaya, gumbo—actually a Creole dish, made with a roux—and crayfish (or other seafood) étouffée, served over rice. Many dishes are prepared with some variety of sausage, such as boudin or andouille (a smoked sausage made with pork), and tasso (a pork shoulder preparation borrowed from the Choctaw). Essential seasonings include filé powder (made from sassafras leaves), cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Cajun music likewise shows a blend of several influences, including French, Creole, and Celtic songs. Cajun songs are usually sung in French. Typical ensemble instruments are the fiddle, the diatonic (button) accordion, the guitar, and spoons or the triangle. Tempos can range from a mournful waltz to a lively two-step, but, whatever the tempo, Cajun music is meant to be danced to.

A native of Denver Colorado but raised in the Iowa heartland on the banks of the Muddy Mississippi, Jordan Danielsen grew up with guitar in hand and a harmonica on his neck. He has spent over a decade hosting open mics, performing in wineries, casino's, pubs, restaurants, festivals and everywhere imaginable from Madison, WI. to St. Louis, MO.

A wandering loner at heart, Jordan has spent much of his musical career as a solo act. However he has also played with some of the finest musicians in the Midwest to create two full length albums and do a bit of touring as well.

In 2011, Jordan released his debut CD Night Alone in the City; an album very diverse from start to finish. Chalked full of soulful horns, electric guitars, acoustic ballads, blues and a tiny bit of hip hop. Jordan's lyrics tell the story of his life growing up in Davenport, IA., and at times borders on the hilarious.

2014 brought the release of Old Soul, an album much different than it's predecessor. Jordan spins his musical tales of river's, road trips, and great grandfathers in the civil war. Sleek piano, organ moans, and haunting fiddle make this collection of songs very soothing yet exciting, and tend to take you along for the ride.

Always on tour and never without a song in his throat, Jordan writes from his life experiences and reflects his personality through his music. With many more songs to record and endless gigs to play, he continues to strive for new audiences every day.

As the days shorten and the weather gets colder, it’s easy for most of us humans to adapt. Simply break out the long underwear, dust off the winter coat and we’re pretty much ready to go, at least here in the Midwest. Now what about those animals out in the wild? While we’re all familiar with bears hibernating through the winter, birds migrating to warmer settings and other animals living off stored food that they’ve been saving up since the summer, how the heck do those animals who remain active not only brave the elements but function in these conditions, especially in the coldest regions of the world? Understanding the answer to this question requires an appreciation for the adaptability, resiliency and creativity of leatherback turtles, penguins, arctic foxes, golden-crowned kinglets and many other animals.

Around for more than 100 million years, the leatherback turtle has certainly evolved as a deep sea diver capable of surviving in the coldest, deepest waters. For these unique reptiles, it’s good to be big. Weighing up to 2,000 pounds, leatherbacks remain warm in cold water in large part to their mass and natural abilities to slow heat loss. Outgoing blood warms cool blood in the leatherback flippers before it reaches the body core, and a sphincter in these turtle’s throats shuts off blood flow to the lungs when diving, allowing these amazing creatures to conserve energy when needed. In the deepest waters, leatherbacks get plenty of sustenance from jellyfish, their favorite meal.
While penguins may be celebrated in film for their triumphs on land (and aided outside the water during the cold by their compact feathers, including up to 70 feathers per square inch), these intriguing fellas do spend nearly 3/4 of their lives in the water. So what is the key to their success? Chalk it up to an insulating layer of blubber and the ability to generate body heat by staying active (penguins are able to jet through the water at speeds of up to 15 mph). Other ways penguins stay warm include tucking in their flippers to reduce the surface area for heat loss, absorbing heat from the sun via their black, back feathers, and reducing their contact with the ice by tipping up their feet and standing on their heels in a tripod-like position.
While penguins may be celebrated in film for their triumphs on land (and aided outside the water during the cold by their compact feathers, including up to 70 feathers per square inch), these intriguing fellas do spend nearly 3/4 of their lives in the water. So what is the key to their success? Chalk it up to an insulating layer of blubber and the ability to generate body heat by staying active (penguins are able to jet through the water at speeds of up to 15 mph). Other ways penguins stay warm include tucking in their flippers to reduce the surface area for heat loss, absorbing heat from the sun via their black, back feathers, and reducing their contact with the ice by tipping up their feet and standing on their heels in a tripod-like position.
While penguins may be celebrated in film for their triumphs on land (and aided outside the water during the cold by their compact feathers, including up to 70 feathers per square inch), these intriguing fellas do spend nearly 3/4 of their lives in the water. So what is the key to their success? Chalk it up to an insulating layer of blubber and the ability to generate body heat by staying active (penguins are able to jet through the water at speeds of up to 15 mph). Other ways penguins stay warm include tucking in their flippers to reduce the surface area for heat loss, absorbing heat from the sun via their black, back feathers, and reducing their contact with the ice by tipping up their feet and standing on their heels in a tripod-like position.

For other warm-blooded mammals like whales, seals and walruses, it certainly helps to be big, as the larger the mammal, the lesser the surface area to lose heat. With that said, fur seals benefit not only from weighing roughly 600 pounds as adults but having thick under and overcoats that they shed once a year, and blubber under the skin that can range from one to six inches. For Beluga whales, five inches of blubber certainly helps, as do unique adaptations like a dorsal fin that can break through ice for attaining fresh air, a flexible neck that allows for more maneuverability while navigating cold waters during migration, and amazing endurance (these whales can cover 100 miles in one day). Eat your heart out, Michael Phelps.
Outside the water, land-based animals must be as adaptive to the perils of the Arctic tundra in order to ensure survival. What blubber is to keeping penguins, seals, whales and walruses warm, fur is to caribou, musk oxen and arctic wolves, with the last two examples having thick, long hair overcoats and supplemental undercoats of fleece and fur, respectively. In comparison to other wolves, arctic wolves have smaller, rounder ears and shorter muzzles and legs that help them reduce heat loss. For some animals like the arctic fox, snowshoe hare, collared lemming, and ermine (least weasel), their fur actually changes colors from brownish-gray to white during the winter, offering them not only a needed blanket but an advantageous form of camouflage that makes them hard to identify in the snow. Lemmings, which look like fat furry hamsters, and arctic ground squirrels (the only arctic animal to hibernate) also keep themselves warm by staying in tunnels under the snow (as Ben Folds Five once sang, “you can be happy underground”), while hundreds of arctic hare display another crafty way of generating heat by congregating and packing themselves close to each other.

Last but not least is the cool story of the golden-crowned kinglet, a tiny bird that resides in Canada and various parts of the United States, Central America and Mexico. Weighing less than a fifth of an ounce, this bird species is able to survive cold weathers via several intriguing adaptations. Researchers have found that the kinglets subsist on hibernating inchworms that reside in their stomachs, keep warm via their plentiful feathers that insulate their small bodies, provide further insulation by puffing out thier bodies (similar to many other birds), and huddle together at night for even more warmth.
Read more at http://www.momtastic.com/webecoist/2009/10/16/natures-cold-weather-warriors-14-resilient-adaptive-animals/#iIKJZAFBJjZphPJe.99

A café in Brooklyn has become an unexpected center of diplomacy for two of nature's most adversarial animals: cats and rats.

In partnership with the Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition, the Brooklyn Cat Café in New York City typically houses about 20 cats that are up for adoption. Visitors can stop by for treats and to interact with the animals, some of which may end up finding new homes.

In one case, though, a kitten housed at the café was diagnosed with feline leukemia and had to be isolated from other cats to prevent the disease from spreading. Feline leukemia is one of the most common infectious diseases seen in cats. An estimated two to three percent of cats in the U.S. have the virus, which is contained in bodily fluids and is spread by close contact, like mating or bite wounds. After being diagnosed with the condition, cats live for only about two and a half years.

The situation prompted the café owners to seek out a different kind of companion animal for the black kitten, named Ebony. That's how they came to adopt a white rat from a nearby rescue center, which they named Ivory. Rats cannot contract the feline leukemia virus, making Ivory an ideal companion for the small kitten.

Ebony died after five months, but the café owners believe her life was "immeasurably enriched" by having a companion. After two years Ivory died (rat lifespans average around two years), and the café decided to continue bringing in companion rats from a nearby animal rescue center, starting with a pair named Remy and Emile.

According to the café's website, rats are unafraid of kittens because they're relatively similar in size. The kittens often chase and pounce on the rats' tails, which the café says is OK as long as the kittens are gentle.

Domestic cats evolved to be solitary hunters, and kittens learn hunting behaviors from their mothers. When separated early from their mothers or the rest of their litter, some kittens can show too much or too little aggression, according the Humane Society. And when they become adults, their potential relationship with rats gets more complicated.

Katie Lisnik is the director of cat protection at the Humane Society International. She notes that regardless of anecdotal stories about interspecies relationships, cats still act on instinct, and rats are their natural prey.

"Even though bonds are formed, rats can move in a certain way that triggers the cat's [hunting] response," she says.

Sarah Gibbens, the reporter, is an associate digital producer at National Geographic

Floodwaters in Houston, Texas, continue to rise as people scramble to higher ground. However, humans are not the only ones in danger of the flooding waters. Over 70 horses were saved in Northeast Harris County. One of the volunteers who helped save the horses was Mongol winner Justin Nelzen who rescued 15 horses from floodwaters in Houston, Texas. Justin didn’t travel by boat to save the horses; he bravely jumped in the water, and swam them to safety.

The owners of the Cypress Trails Equestrian Center did not believe that the water would rise so much in their area to be a threat, but they were wrong.

Darolyn Butler, the owner of Cypress Trails Equestrian Center in Humble, said, “They have an evacuation plan and they practice several times a year.” However, even with all their practicing, they waited until it was too late and the barn was already flooding.

She said that she watched the weather news until 2 a.m. and saw the cells were splitting, that the storm was about over. They went to bed and woke up an hour later to discover the stables were filling up with water.

“We woke up around 3 and it was already too high to get the trailers out.”

Over 100 deputies, constables, firefighters, and good Samaritans volunteered to help save the horses. Some used boats while others swam in the water as they tried to reach the frantic horses. Reports vary, but it’s estimated that 70 to 100 horses were involved. However, how many horses were actually saved and may still be missing remains unknown.

Videos showed horses treading as they tried to keep their heads above water. Some horses became tangled in fences as they were “seen trying to get over what appeared to be a flood-inundated fence in the area near Cypress Creek.”

Some horses were exhausted and needed help in holding their heads up when they came near the edge of the road. Rescuers jumped in the cold water to assist the horses as they led them to an area where they could finally stand on the ground.

Veterinarian Dr. Dori Hertel checked over the horses, amazed that after all they went through the horse calmly allowed themselves to be checked over. Dr. Dori Hertel said that so far, she had not seen any serious injuries.

Horses are like people and they tend to panic in certain situations. Sometimes they make bad decisions. However, they tend to follow each other and if the volunteers can get the more “levelheaded” horses going in the right direction, the others tend to follow.

Judge Ed Emmett posted an update on his Facebook page, “For those of you that may have seen the news reports of horses trapped in the water at Cypress Trails Equestrian Center, all but a few of the horses have been rescued or have been seen on higher ground. 3 or 4 are still loose but don’t appear to be in grave danger.”

Judge Ed Emmett also reported on his Facebook page, “We’ve heard that most of the 80 horses at Cypress Trails have been rescued. A few still loose but not grave danger. Will update when we hear.”

In another heartwarming story of a horse being saved from the raging waters is an almost blind horse. Devon Horn bravely rescued a frightened horse named Boomer. It was a struggle for a while as the frightened horse could not see well enough to know where to go or what to do, but somehow, Devon managed to lead Boomer back onto the higher ground. Devon said at one point they tried to get out at one location, but they were swept down the river about 300 feet. Sheriff’s deputies assisted Devon and Boomer to dryer ground.

Videos capturing the dramatic horse rescue flooded Facebook, and many of the comments were unkind to the owners of the stables. Many posts claimed that some of the horses were tied so they could not escape, and those were the ones that drowned. One wrote, “I have lived by this stables for 20 years. They move the horses EVERY TIME there is a flood.” While another wrote, “They didn’t move them because we were only expecting 8 inches of rain which wouldn’t flood the property but we got 16 inches last night that they didn’t expect.”

However, it’s not only the horses who need rescuing. The video below shows the wildlife that’s been displaced out of their homes because of the flood waters.

There is one story that stands out, and this is about a horse that was presumed dead. Mac Stanford posted, “There were many prayers being said aloud, and there was no doubt that God was present today in all of His glory. There are going to be some EXHAUSTED Guardian Angels in Heaven’s beds tonight!

Suddenly, at 2:02 p.m., without warning, this glorious beast burst through the surface of the water beneath the bridge and pulled himself up the concrete embankment with no help from any human. The crowd above was absolutely stunned into silence…then ERUPTED with cheering and applause. The horse was so exhausted that he could barely walk. He wandered towards the crowd, and gave a loud neigh when the woman that owns him and was boarding him there, broke through the crowd and grabbed his bridle. I got the whole thing on video!”

Hello my name is Gary Lindner, Director of Planet Sanctuary and Senior Vice President of One World Blue. I would like to introduce the completion of Planet Sanctuary and take a moment to explain our platform. The purpose of the platform is to give all readers and "do-gooders" the ability to spread information concerning "OUR" natural world on Planet Earth. This information should contain positive research, videos and data on people, places and animals that have been or will be affected by the good deeds of people around "OUR" Planet Earth. This is going to be a fantastic way to focus on these good deeds and ultimately motivate more. Here is a video of the great planet Earth from space. I am inviting and encouraging readers to participate in the distribution of information that they are passionate about. Every week I will share information that has caught my attention. As I continue to search for information about "OUR" Planet Earth, I hope to see your videos and articles showing the vast detail on "OUR" planet with a positve human touch.

In March of 2008, I had the privilege to join my father and sister on a trip to Hawaii's northernmost island of Kauai. We spent 5 days exploring the lush countryside and experiencing a completely exotic land. Along our travels, we encountered so many chickens roaming around everywhere, that I wondered how and why this came about. In one instance I was relaxing on a beautiful sandy beach near the Kauai Marriot Resort, and a rooster, hen and their two or three chicks (a whole family) came pecking towards me threatening to tickle my toes. Some people there told me that hurricanes in the past let chicken coops loose, and others said that since there are no natural predators there, chickens had no enemies (other than humans) who would eat them. It all made sense, but I wanted to know more about the wild chicken invasion of Kaui (and the rest of Hawaii) that have made this in itself a tourist attraction.

Here's an interesting article from the New York Times, written on April 6, 2015, that sheds some light on the wild chickens of Kauai:

In Hawaii, Chickens Gone Wild

The pictures you see here I shot myself (or my sister did) on this trip. I'm also in a few of the photos as you can see. Guess if you're ever homeless and hungry, this is the island to be on! Winner, winner, chicken dinner!